Ryan Smith
EDC102H Academic Autobiography Project
When thinking back to my days in elementary and middle school, the first memory that comes to mind is the passion I displayed for learning. From the very first day of elementary school all the way through middle school I displayed fervor for each subject I was taught. Classes weren’t spent staring out the window or texting friends, but instead were spent being engaged in the particular material. The fact that I came to school excited and ready to learn made my elementary and middle school experiences magical.
Elementary school, for myself and for several other children, is an amazing time to learn. During the elementary school years children have an uncanny ability to absorb everything they hear. Elementary school was a time where I could inform anyone with numerous animal facts, recall famous historic events, and identify different types of rocks. The range of subjects we covered was likely so large because teachers knew of our active interest. Often times I would return to my home bursting with knowledge, unable to wait to tell my parents about everything I had learned in school that day. One thing I remember in particular is the frequency at which we were assigned reports. Writing reports on even a monthly basis allowed me to be passionate about a certain subject for some period of time. Whether it was a report on Abe Lincoln, alpacas, or the town of Warren, I would have an obsession for a week. In fact, writing reports was so enjoyable for me I can remember writing a report on different types of sharks – only it was on my own time, and it was just for my satisfaction.
One particular teacher I remember from elementary school was my second grade teacher, Mrs. Reilly-Chaves. The way her class was taught was unique in the sense that she made me feel as if I were capable of anything. Most students’ writing assignments would be handed in on bland pieces of lined paper, and would never be anything more than that. However, in Mrs. Reilly-Chaves class I was presented with the opportunity to have my story published in a small (roughly 12 page) hard cover book. The fact that she went the distance to make her students feel like their work was significant said enough about her as a teacher.
Middle school was another time where I was able to have a passion that involved learning: reading. Reading became a hobby when I was only one year into my middle school experience. In particular, Greek mythology was my favorite topic to read about. I found a few series’ that involved Greek mythology and I was hooked, spending a lot more of my free time reading than doing anything else. Because reading a certain number of books per trimester was required in middle school, my hobby was only encouraged. I was always told that hard work is rewarded with success. During middle school, this idea was reinforced when students who achieved ‘high honors’ were rewarded with an ice cream party at the end of the trimester. Even though a reward like that was a nice motivator to work hard, I always worked hard in middle school for myself. I knew that at the end of the day, I would benefit if I tried my hardest in school. That alone pushed me to be the best student I could be throughout my middle school years.
Without a doubt the most memorable teacher I had during middle school was my seventh grade social studies teacher, Mr. Seger. Mr. Seger had a distinct teaching style where he would try to engage the students as much as possible. He joked around frequently during classes, but at the same time he was efficient in presenting material planned for the class. A positive classroom atmosphere was undoubtedly beneficial. Again, the fact that I looked forward to attending his class made the learning experience that much better.
Overall, in my middle school and elementary school years I learned a few essential life skills. Firstly and likely most importantly, I learned that passion is key to success. If you are excited to go to a class, you’ll likely get a lot more out of it than if you walk in with a pessimistic attitude. I also learned that all teachers are different, and depending on the teacher and their style the outcome of the class will differ. All the same, each of my teachers shaped me into the student I am today.
EDC102H
Academic Autobiography Project
When thinking back to my days in elementary and middle school, the first memory that comes to mind is the passion I displayed for learning. From the very first day of elementary school all the way through middle school I displayed fervor for each subject I was taught. Classes weren’t spent staring out the window or texting friends, but instead were spent being engaged in the particular material. The fact that I came to school excited and ready to learn made my elementary and middle school experiences magical.
Elementary school, for myself and for several other children, is an amazing time to learn. During the elementary school years children have an uncanny ability to absorb everything they hear. Elementary school was a time where I could inform anyone with numerous animal facts, recall famous historic events, and identify different types of rocks. The range of subjects we covered was likely so large because teachers knew of our active interest. Often times I would return to my home bursting with knowledge, unable to wait to tell my parents about everything I had learned in school that day. One thing I remember in particular is the frequency at which we were assigned reports. Writing reports on even a monthly basis allowed me to be passionate about a certain subject for some period of time. Whether it was a report on Abe Lincoln, alpacas, or the town of Warren, I would have an obsession for a week. In fact, writing reports was so enjoyable for me I can remember writing a report on different types of sharks – only it was on my own time, and it was just for my satisfaction.
One particular teacher I remember from elementary school was my second grade teacher, Mrs. Reilly-Chaves. The way her class was taught was unique in the sense that she made me feel as if I were capable of anything. Most students’ writing assignments would be handed in on bland pieces of lined paper, and would never be anything more than that. However, in Mrs. Reilly-Chaves class I was presented with the opportunity to have my story published in a small (roughly 12 page) hard cover book. The fact that she went the distance to make her students feel like their work was significant said enough about her as a teacher.
Middle school was another time where I was able to have a passion that involved learning: reading. Reading became a hobby when I was only one year into my middle school experience. In particular, Greek mythology was my favorite topic to read about. I found a few series’ that involved Greek mythology and I was hooked, spending a lot more of my free time reading than doing anything else. Because reading a certain number of books per trimester was required in middle school, my hobby was only encouraged. I was always told that hard work is rewarded with success. During middle school, this idea was reinforced when students who achieved ‘high honors’ were rewarded with an ice cream party at the end of the trimester. Even though a reward like that was a nice motivator to work hard, I always worked hard in middle school for myself. I knew that at the end of the day, I would benefit if I tried my hardest in school. That alone pushed me to be the best student I could be throughout my middle school years.
Without a doubt the most memorable teacher I had during middle school was my seventh grade social studies teacher, Mr. Seger. Mr. Seger had a distinct teaching style where he would try to engage the students as much as possible. He joked around frequently during classes, but at the same time he was efficient in presenting material planned for the class. A positive classroom atmosphere was undoubtedly beneficial. Again, the fact that I looked forward to attending his class made the learning experience that much better.
Overall, in my middle school and elementary school years I learned a few essential life skills. Firstly and likely most importantly, I learned that passion is key to success. If you are excited to go to a class, you’ll likely get a lot more out of it than if you walk in with a pessimistic attitude. I also learned that all teachers are different, and depending on the teacher and their style the outcome of the class will differ. All the same, each of my teachers shaped me into the student I am today.